(USA) Principal, Data Scientist - Generalist

Position Summary

The Principal Data Scientist in the Data Science team will play a crucial role as an architect, leading AI explorations, research, algorithmic solution creation, and fast prototyping aimed to deliver impactful initiatives within the Sam's Club division of Walmart Inc. The position involves developing the foundational ML/AI models that will drive a tailored and enjoyable member experience across our eCommerce, Scan & Go, and in‑club shopping interactions. As the Principal Data Scientist, you will oversee end‑to‑end implementation of Machine Learning products in the domains of Search and Ads. You will guide a scrum team and collaborate with an accomplished team of Product Managers and Technologists to implement ML/AI solutions at scale. This offers a thrilling chance to integrate retail industry knowledge with machine learning algorithms, upsetting traditional business practices to achieve ambitious growth objectives. In this capacity, you will join a vibrant group of high‑achieving individuals spanning Search, Personalization, and Conversational AI, leading impactful and transformative shifts in our business. The position is based in Dallas, Texas, and you will be reporting to the Architect of Search and Ads.

What You'll Do

You’ll sweep us off our feet if…

• You have experience in the development of large‑scale production systems, Knowledge of Search, information retrieval and ranking systems.
• You have experience building large scale ML systems in public cloud like Azure, Google etc.
• 3 years+ of experience in applied machine learning, familiar with one or more of the algorithms such as Collaborative Filtering, Matrix Factorization, Factorization Machines, Word2vec, Deep Neural Networks, Wide and Deep etc.
• You are skilled in Programming language (Python, Java, R or Scala) and Large‑scale training using data structures and algorithms.
• Machine Learning Software such as Tensorflow/Pytorch, Caffe, Scikit‑Learn, or Spark MLLib.
• You have experience with cloud environments such as Azure, Google Cloud, etc.
• Solid MLOps practices including good design documentation, unit testing, integration testing and source code control (git).
• You are experienced with agile methodologies using project planning and tracking management tools e.g., JIRA.
• You’re naturally curious on how things work and excited by solving challenges at the scale of a Fortune 1 Retailer.

You’ll make an impact by…

• Leading a team of Data Scientists and Engineers focused on backend software infrastructure for powering AI/ML solutions.
• Partnering closely with Product and engineering leaders to inform, drive and accelerate innovations in discovery experiences via Insights, frameworks, causal inference solutions and machine learning prototypes.
• Executing full life cycle of projects through project planning, data collection, model prototyping and deployment, with responsibilities encompassing stakeholder management and communication to cross‑functional partners.
• Building MLOps framework to create, build and deploy data science algorithms continuously, test and personalize user experience.

Benefits

• Health benefits: medical, vision and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits: 401(k), stock purchase and company‑paid life insurance.
• Paid time off benefits: PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.
• Other benefits: short‑term and long‑term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
• Live Better U: a company‑paid education benefit program for full‑time and part‑time associates in Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short‑form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment.

Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms. For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

Salary

• Sunnyvale, California (US‑11807): The annual salary range for this position is $143,000.00 – $286,000.00.
• Bentonville, Arkansas (US‑10735): The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 – $220,000.00.

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).

Minimum Qualifications

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

• Option 1: Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 5 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 3 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• Option 3: 7 years' experience in an analytics or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

• Data science, machine learning, optimization models.
• PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics.
• Publications or active peer reviewer in related journals or conference.
• Successful completion of one or more assessments in Python, Spark, Scala, or R.
• Using open source frameworks (for example, scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, Torch).
• We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.

Primary Location

815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089‑4731, United States of America

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

About Walmart

Fifty years ago, Sam Walton started a single mom‑and‑pop shop and transformed it into the world's biggest retailer. Since those founding days, one thing has remained consistent: our commitment to helping our customers save money so they can live better. Today, we're reinventing the shopping experience and our associates are at the heart of it. You'll play a crucial role in shaping the future of retail, improving millions of lives around the world. This is that place where your passions meet purpose. Join our family and create a career you're proud of.